Ntini named South African Cricketer of the Year

Makhaya Ntini has been named as South Africa's Cricketer of the Year for his magnificent performances over the last 12 months. At the awards function, held at Kyalami, Ntini also won two further awards, the Test Cricketer of the Year and the Player's Player of the Year.

Ntini, who is ranked fourth in the ICC's Test bowling rankings at the moment, captured 58 wickets in 14 matches in the 11 months from July 2004 to May 2005. He also broke the South African record for the best bowling figures in a Test when he took 13 for 132 in a matchwinning performance in the second Test against West Indies in Trinidad.

"I have so many people to thank. I don't know where to begin," said Ntini in his acceptance speech. "I would like to thank Vincent Barnes, he has done so much for me. Ray Jennings, your passion has been an inspiration. Whenever you told me 'heavy eyes', coach, I knew what you were talking about. Thanks for the hard work you put into the team. I would also like to thank our fitness team - Adrian le Roux, and physiotherapist Shane Jabaar - and who could forget Goolam Rajah, our wonderful manager."

Ntini also thanked his team-mates, including Andre Nel, his bowling partner. "Nella, my brother, we did such a good job. We should be proud. I would also like to thank and recognise my team-mates Herschelle Gibbs, Graeme Smith and Mark Boucher."

In the other awards, Smith was named the ODI Cricketer of the Year after he smashed four centuries and scored 840 runs in 19 matches. Smith also led his team to series victories against England, Zimbabwe and West Indies. Jacques Kallis, who won the Player of the Year last year, was named the Fans' Cricketer of the Year, while AB de Villiers was named Newcomer of the Year.